Perpetual Traveller Overseas

Emirates Airlines Orders 30 Boeing 777s

2010-07-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

Boeing and Dubai-based Emirates Airlines announced on Monday an order for 30 Boeing 777-300ERs. The deal is worth $9.1 billion.

While this order seems to demonstrate the market for commercial aircraft is rebounding, this is precisely what Boeing President and CEO Jim Albaugh believes is happening as he said in this statement today, "The market is clearly coming back and I feel very confident about how we are positioned to regain -- and retain -- leadership in this business."

Source: Planet Data

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Airlines and Shippers Brace for 100% Cargo Screening Deadline

2010-07-20T07:16:00.000-07:00

Come August 1, 2010 all cargo shipped on passenger aircraft in the U.S. must be screened for explosives. And for passengers nothing should be different. But there is concern that the new requirement could cause supply chain delays and higher costs of goods transported this way.

With the deadline looming two weeks away, a number of local news outlets are reporting about how airlines headquartered in their cities (American in Dallas/Fort Worth, Delta in Atlanta) are preparing, the problems faced by shippers, and the TSA's Certified Cargo Screening Program, which is a voluntary program that will certify cargo screening facilities located throughout the country.

Source: Planet Data

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TSA Chief Announces Agency's Top Goals

2010-07-20T07:11:00.000-07:00

The Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) new administrator, John Pistole, announced Friday his three big general goals for the agency. Thankfully, they are not all aviation specific.

Pistole's stated goals are:

Improve TSA's counterterrorism focus through intelligence and cutting edge technology.
Support the TSA workforce.
Strengthen the TSA's relationships with stakeholders and the traveling public.

Source: Planet Data

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TSA Launches Public Feedback Program

2010-07-20T07:05:00.000-07:00

The Transportation Security Administration this week launched a program to solicit feedback from the public. Through the so-called "TalktoTSA" program, the agency is asking you for your "questions, suggestions, and feedback on your security experience" while traveling through America's airports.

New TSA Administrator John S. Pistole says, "After leaving your feedback, it will be sent directly to the person in charge of TSA customer service at the airport for which you are commenting. If you ask for a response, you will receive one."

Source: Planet Data

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Passenger Busted with Stolen Gun at JFK

2010-07-20T07:03:00.000-07:00

A man was arrested at JFK Airport after he tried to get through airport security with a stolen gun in his carry-on luggage Wednesday morning. The suspect, identified as Junior Almonte, 30, fled the terminal, running off without his bag, wallet and shoes reports New York Daily News. Almonte turned himself in later in the day. It isn't clear how he escaped the airport and where he ran.

Source: Planet Data

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Hoax Bomb Threat on Air France Flight

2010-07-13T07:52:00.000-07:00

An Air France flight from Rio de Janeiro to Paris made an emergency landing in the Brazilian city of Recife Saturday because of a bomb threat against the flight. The plane landed safely and was inspected, but no explosive device was found the airline said.

Source: Planet Data

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UFO Disrupts Air Traffic in China

2010-07-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

An unidentified flying object (UFO) temporarily disrupted air travel over the Chinese city of Hangzhou in Zhejiang province on Wednesday. According to reports, the object did not appear on radar at Xiaoshan Airport. While no official word has come out about what the object was, a source with knowledge of the matter has told China Daily that the object has a "military connection."

Source: Planet Data

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F-16s Intercept Planes Violating Las Vegas Restricted Air Space

2010-07-13T07:35:00.000-07:00

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) scrambled two F-16 fighter jets to intercept two small aircraft that violated airspace restrictions put in place Friday near Las Vegas for a visit from President Obama. According to various reports, both aircraft landed at nearby airports as instructed and were met by authorities. It isn't clear yet whether these incidents were just accidental violations of the FAA's temporary flight restrictions.

Source: Planet Data

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DHS Gives Three Airports $56 Million for Security Technologies

2010-07-13T07:30:00.000-07:00

DHS Secretary Napolitano on Wednesday (7/7) announced approximately $56 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding for airport security projects at three airports.

The funding breakdown is as follows:

$45.4 million for a new inline baggage screening system in the main terminal at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).
$7.5 million to expand the closed circuit television (CCTV) system throughout Orlando International Airport (MCO).
$3.1 million for the design of an upgraded inline baggage screening system in Terminals One and Two at St. Louis International Airport (STL).

Source: Planet Data

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1 Survivor in Coast Guard Helicopter Crash

2010-07-13T07:27:00.000-07:00

There is one survivor from the crash of a Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter in the waters near James Island, Washington Wednesday morning. The survivor sustained non-life threatening injuries, which the Seattle Times reports are a broken leg and arm. Unfortunately, the other three crewmen aboard the Jayhawk died in the crash.

Source: Planet Data

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Changes in Washington DC's Special Flight Rules Area Restrictions

2010-07-06T23:02:00.000-07:00

On July 1st, the Federal Aviation Administration announced a number of changes to the restrictions governing the Special Flight Rules Area surrounding Washington, DC, effective September 1. To review the two Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) which define the new regulations, visit the FAA website here.

Source: Planet Data

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No Refueling Ban on Iranian Airliners

2010-07-06T23:00:00.000-07:00

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast told Reuters that reports that the UK, Germany and UAE were refusing to refuel Iranian commercial airliners were not true and that this was part of a "psychological war". However, as the news agency points out Mehmanparast did not address the fact that the original Iranian claim of countries refusing fuel came from a senior Iranian official and was first reported in the Iranian media.

Source: Planet Data

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Bomb Scare at JFK Airport Terminal

2010-07-06T22:59:00.000-07:00

Late Sunday afternoon a bomb threat forced authorities to evacuate Terminal 1 at JFK International Airport in Queens. The NY Daily News reports "police were alerted to an abandoned bag and then received a call from an unidentified female saying 'a bomb is going to go off'." Nothing dangerous was found in the bag.

Source: Planet Data

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Turkey Threatens Ban on Israeli Commercial Flights

2010-07-06T22:57:00.000-07:00

A secret meeting was held between Turkish and Israeli cabinet members in Brussels Wednesday to discuss the fallout from Israel's deadly commando raid on the Gaza aid flotilla. At this meeting Ankara's representatives "warned" that unless Israel formally apologizes and compensates the families of the 8 Turks who died in the operation, then Turkey would ban Israeli commercial airliners from Turkish airspace. Ankara has already told Jerusalem that it must request and receive prior permission for Israeli military flights to use Turkish airspace.

Source: Planet Data

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TSA Administrator Sworn In

2010-07-06T22:56:00.000-07:00

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) finally has a permanent leader after nearly a year-and-a-half without one, and two previous Obama nominees failing to make the cut. DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano on Thursday (7/1) swore in John S. Pistole as the fifth Administrator in the TSA's short history.

Source: Planet Data

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Scotland Highland Games [22nd May – 18th September]

2010-07-05T01:10:00.000-07:00

Highland Games, which take place from Cowal to Tomintoul and all points in between, are a unique mix of the sporting, the cultural and the social. They usually comprise a programme of field and track events, piping and Highland dancing competitions and 'heavy events' like the tug-o-war, the hammer throw and tossing the caber. Highland Games Calendar available for download from the link below.

Further information: www.visitscotland.com

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Galway Arts Festival, Galway, Ireland [12th - 25th July]

2010-07-04T23:33:00.000-07:00

Regarded as one of Europe’s key cultural events Galway Arts Festival is an international celebration of the performing and visual arts. Over 100,000 people attend the Festival annually with hundreds of writers, artists, performers and musicians creating theatre, spectacle, street art, music, comedy, literature and music to produce a stunning fortnight of cultural activity.

Further information: www.galwayartsfestival.com

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North Sea Jazz Festival, Rotterdam, Netherlands [9th - 11th July]

2010-07-04T23:32:00.001-07:00

The Festival of the Redeemer (Festa del Redentore), Venice, Italy [17th - 19th July]

2010-07-04T23:30:00.000-07:00

Celebrating the end of the plague involves hundreds of beautifully decorated and illuminated boats full of beautifully decorated Venetians that gather around sunset, have dinner on board or beside the Giudecca canal, then watch one of Europe's best fireworks displays at 11.30pm on Saturday night.

Further information: www.comune.venezia.it

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New York, USA [4th July]

2010-07-04T23:29:00.000-07:00

Fourth of July is the most patriotic holiday that

America

has. That being said, what could be better than experiencing the Fourth in one of the most patriotic cities in the country New York City? Whether it be checking out the massive Macy's Fireworks Spectacular, being front row and watching the Nathan's Hot Dog eating contest or just taking in a concert at Battery Park.

Further information: www.nymag.com

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Running of the Bulls (San Fermin Festival), Pampona Navarre Spain [6th July - 14th July]

2010-07-04T23:28:00.000-07:00

The festival of San Fermin, or the Pamplona bull running as it's more commonly known outside Spain officially begins at midday on 6th July every year with the 'chupinazo' which takes place on the balcony of the Casa Consistorial in Pamplona. The Pamplona Bull Run takes place at 8am every morning from 6^th to 14th July. Runners must be in the running area by 7.30am. The actual run stretches from the corral at Santo Domingo where the bulls are kept, to the bullring where they will fight that same afternoon. The length of the run is 825 meters and the average time of the run from start to finish is about three minutes. The streets through the old town which make up the Bull Run are walled off so the bulls can't escape. Each day six fighting bulls run the route as well as two herds of bullocks.

Further information: www.spanish-fiestas.com

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Summer Festival, Dubrovnik Croatia [10th July - 25th August]

2010-07-04T23:27:00.000-07:00

The Summer Festival of Dubrovnik is the oldest and most famous of all the Croatian festivals. From 1956 the Festival has been building its reputation and has, by way of the prestigious Association of European Festivals, become an integral part of European integrations. Imagine yourself enjoying the most beautiful pieces of classical music and the best of the theatre performances the world stage has to offer, while sitting comfortably surrounded by ancient city walls. And that is precisely what Dubrovnik offers. Within its Summer Festival classic theatre pieces and ballet performances are staged in the streets and plazas of this proud Renaissancecum- Baroque city. It is only the high quality art that can find its place in this city built of stone and light that holds so much beauty. And in that art numerous actors, dancers and musicians will find inspiration for both themselves and their public throughout the lovely Dubrovnik summer. Year on year the Dubrovnik Summer Festival is hosting the renown names of the world elite of the art world. Composers, soloists and orchestras, and their performance in and among the buildings within the old city which possess exceptional acoustic properties - such as the atrium of the Ducal Palace - imbue this festival with a very special charm. Needless to say, this year the walls of Dubrovnik are again going to resound with the sounds of its long and fascinating history. And again, for the 60th time, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival - taking place from 10 of July to 25 of August - will draw the very best of the world stage of performing arts. Once again will the inimitable beauty of the streets, squares, parks, palaces, medieval fortresses and isles of Dubrovnik become the proud and equal partner to the artists of the world.

Further information: http://www.dubrovnik-festival.hr/

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T in the Park Festival, Balado Kinross shire, Scotland [9th - 11th July]

2010-07-04T23:26:00.000-07:00

T In The Park, voted the

's best major festival, with camping available for this incredible 3 day event.A great line up of artists from Muse, Eminem, Kasabian. The list is endless to find out more follow the link below!

Further information: http://www.tinthepark.com/content/

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44th Montreux International Jazz Festival, Switzerland [2nd - 17th July]

2010-07-04T23:22:00.000-07:00

Founded by Claude Nobs in 1967, over the years the Montreux Jazz Festival has become an unmissable event for music fans in

Switzerland

and around the world. Its stages have been graced by all of music’s greats, from Miles Davis to Ray Charles and from David Bowie to Prince. Whereas Jazz constitutes the Festival’s historic core, other styles of music were quickly integrated into the Festival, bound together by a common thread of mutual curiosity and enthusiasm. Having made its reputation with its ambitious programming choices, the Montreux Jazz Festival offers musicians an ideal platform and an intimate setting for the duration of its two weeks on the shores of Lake Geneva.

The Montreux Jazz Festival is a member of: Top Events of Switzerland, Swiss Music Promoters Association, Yourope The European Festival Association, International Jazz Festivals Organisation, Member of European Talent Exchange Program.

Further information: http://www.montreuxjazz.com/2010/

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Eyjafjallajokull - MEPs on whether closing airspace was right call

2010-07-02T15:19:00.000-07:00

The political fallout from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in Iceland continues as people around Europe ponder whether the closure of so much of the continent's airspace was the right thing. Following a Parliamentary debate on 20 April we spoke to a few MEPs to ask them what they thought about Europe's response. All agreed that safety must be paramount, but others called for more investment in other forms of transport.

Mathieu Grosch is a Belgian Christian Democrat and a member of Parliament's Transport Committee. "Member States did not deal with the volcano crisis very efficiently, due to the fact that 27 different air traffic authorities are responsible for European airspace," he said.

Mr Grosch backed the "Single European Sky" (SES) initiative which aims to standardise air traffic controls across Europe. He said it could include a crisis management aspect and could come on stream within 2-4 years.

"A lack of information"

Romanian Socialist Silvia Adriana Ţicău, Vice-chair of the Transport Committee, said, "trapped passengers were often confronted with the lack of information and they didn’t know about their rights".

She also backed the Single European Sky and said that If Trans-European Transport Networks provided more modes of transport, passengers could have been re-directed to their destinations by other transport means such as rail or boat.

"All these developments need huge investment, but the cost of not having these projects in place proved to be unaffordable, as we saw," she said.

"In terms of safety, the precautionary principle was applied," French Liberal Corinne Lepage said. "Faced with such a natural event...the implementation of the precautionary action was consistent with procedure and the best course of action".

Call for more investment in rail

Michael Cramer, a Green member of the Transport Committee welcomed the safety first approach. "The responsibility for the safety must not be transferred to the airlines." He also said there should be more investment in railways in future.

Even Tošenovský, a Czech MEP for the Europe of Conservatives and Reformists and Vice-Chair of the Industry Committee said, "the closure of air space was necessary and it seems to have been coordinated based on passenger safety". He said there is a need to analyse whether the extent of the measures taken was necessary.

French Christian Democrat Christine De Veyrac applauded the decision by most governments for targeted closures with the emphasis on safety first. "What I would like most is for the SES to be speeded up. Our aim now must be to consolidate it as soon as possible. Progress is slow".

Source: European Parliament

PT Comment
Now that Eyjafjallajokull has simmered somewhat and the dust has settled, it makes all of us as Travellers realize how vulnerable we actually are and how fragile the Aviation Industry is. The events caused by Eyjafjallajokull is a wake up call and we its pleasing to see this issue is being taken seriously. We urge more action on the trans continent high speed train front and more passenger shipping routes. The HQ of PT is on the Island of Cyprus and until recently there was no Ferry option off the Island. The Volcanic Dust situation made all Islands appreciate how utterly stranded we could be without air travel. Thankfully the Government is now finally pushing for a Ferry line from Cyprus to Athens area in Greece.